Woman hiker at the top of a mountain arms extended to enjoy the view
Contents included in the hiking backpack

Hiking Backpack Kit

Loan Period: Twenty-one (21) Days (non-renewable)

Available to: Poughkeepsie Public Library District residents, 18 and over, with a PPLD Library Card for at least six months, and with no fines.

Pick Up/Return: In-person at Adriance Memorial Library Check-Out Desk during library operating hours. If the backpack is checked out, you may request a hold. 

Number of Kits Available: Two (one red backpack kit, one orange backpack kit).

Borrower’s Agreement: Review and sign with staff at the Check-Out Desk before check-out and when checking back in. Includes Guidelines, Fines and Liability, and Proper Use & Care.

View the Borrower’s Agreement.
Ver las normas y el acuerdo de préstamo de la Biblioteca de Objetos (Borrower’s Agreement in Spanish)

Replacement Fees: If the items in the Kit are damaged, stolen, or lost, the Borrower is charged the cost to replace them.

Contents and Replacement Fees:

  • Lightweight Ventura Pal hiking backpack, $25.
  • BFULL M12 x 50 binoculars with carrying case and strap and manual, $80.
  • Binocular cleaning cloth, $7.
  • Sportneer military compass with carrying bag and manual, $14.
  • First aid kit pouch, $13.
  • Dorcy LED flashlight, $14.
  • 3 AA Batteries, $7.
  • Two emergency blankets, $9/each
  • Steno-pad for Trail Notes to share with hikers, $6 ($3/each).
  • Explorer’s Guide 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley: Hikes and Walks from Westchester County to Albany County, 3rd ed., $23.
  • East Hudson Trails: Three-Map Set (Appalachian, Breakneck Ridge, Anthony’s Nose, Bull Hill, Canopus Lake, Fishkill Ridge and two parks: Fahnestock State Park, Hudson Highlands State Park), $12.
  • West Hudson Trails: Two-Map Set (Schunemunk Mt., Storm King Mt., Black Rock, Butter Hill, Long Path, Highlands Trail and three parks: Black Rock, Storm King, and Schunemunk Mt.), $10.

Fines: You must return in-person. $20 if returned to Bookdrop (plus damages, if any); $5 late fee per day.

Call the Check-Out Desk to place a hold: (845) 485-3445 x3701

Useful Information

Scenic view of a river with green hills and rocky outcrops

The Seven Leave No Trace Principles

  • Plan ahead and prepare.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  • Dispose of waste properly.
  • Leave what you find.
  • Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
  • Respect wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.

Free Trail and Park Entrance Passes

Hike a trail or a park using the library’s free passes through PPLD’s MAP Passes (MAP = Museums, Attractions, Parks), which are available by Print on Demand (from anywhere) or Pickup/Return.  Make a reservation (up to 60 days in advance) for the date you wish to go from the MAP Pass web page.

Example MAP Pass destinations with hiking:

  • Boscobel House and Garden
  • New York State Empire Pass
  • Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
  • Mohonk Preserve
  • Olana
  • Storm King Art Center
  • White Memorial Conservation Center and Nature Museum